I first met legendary musician, arranger and producer Bob Esty in 1996, when he was Musical Director and I was the company Vocal Coach for Larry Hart’s Sisterella — the only stage production produced by Michael Jackson — in which I also had the pleasure of starring as “Ambassador Indursky.”

Bob contacted me a few years later to sing back-up for Barbra Streisand at the Shrine for Al Gore’s Nomination Celebration Concert benefit, and following that, two nights at the Staple Center for her sold-out concert, where Bob was the Musical Director for her backup choir.

We’ve remained close friends since our first time working together on Sisterella, and continue to work together on some very fulfilling projects. Here we are in the studio with singer-songwriter Scott Snapp at the microphone, recording new tracks of his singular theatrical pop.

Thank you to Executive Producer of The Voice, Audrey Morrissey, for graciously acknowledging my part in the show’s 2013 Emmy win for Best Reality Competition Series, and insisting (she didn’t have to twist my arm) that I hold the award she accepted in September.

I’m very thankful, and very proud, to have a voice in The Voice!

It’s an ongoing honor to work with celebrated vocal coach Roger Love, whose award-winning career benefits numerous stars of stage and screen. I’m proud to say that Roger started me on my own journey as a vocal coach — he’s my teacher, mentor and friend.

It was my pleasure and privilege to coach The Voice Season 3 winner Cassadee Pope through the Blind Auditions.

I can honestly say that her magnificent voice is only surpassed by the beautiful person within.

She was a winner from the very start!

I found this picture and needed to share it, because true friends shape your life and, in turn, your art. Here I am in 1999 with one of my dearest friends in the world, the incredibly talented and lovely Rain Pryor, in beautiful Lausanne, Switzerland.

Working on Season 3 of The Voice was a terrific experience, as was meeting host Carson Daly.

That’s me at the piano in 2008, coaching Roosevelt High School students in Honolulu, Hawaii for the first school production of “Rent” in the nation. Being part of this production was a dream, for these very talented young performers as well as for me.